Brussels, December 8th, 2016 - In a spirit of genuine collaboration and partnership, 21 industry associations, representing different modes of transport, cargo owners, freight forwarders, logistics and port service providers, shipyards, transport workers and equipment manufacturers have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the framework of an Industry Alliance for Multimodal (IAM) Connectivity and Logistics for Growth.

The Alliance will express their positions and expectations with regards to EU policy initiatives that could boost and enhance European multimodal connectivity and logistics.

The Industry Alliance for Multimodal (IAM) is launched today during the 2nd Annual FEPORT Stakeholders conference taking place in Brussels, where many of the Alliance members are gathering to engage with EU policy makers and regulators.

The Alliance is also open to other interested bodies pursuing the same objective.I AM Connectivity & Logistics for Growth will complement the work of other platforms and initiatives and seek win-win opportunities with them, whilst aiming itself to achieve specific policy objectives and deliverables through joint positions. The members of the Alliance will work in an iterative manner and via an online collaborative platform.The Alliance will provide industry input to EU decision-makers, TEN-T Corridor Coordinators and relevant EU agencies, operating on a coalition model, on topics where there is consensus.

I AM Connectivity & Logistics for Growth will decide upon its priorities during an annual plenary meeting to be held in spring 2017. The alliance agenda will be inspired by the EU Commission annual work programmes but also proposals from the members.To start with I AM… will be putting the following topics on its agenda: review of the combined transport Directive and the Mid-term evaluation of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

“In these challenging times, seamless, sustainable and resilient logistics chains are more important than ever before to Europe’s economic, environmental and social well-being” said Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid, Secretary General of FEPORT, one of the founding organizations.

“I AM Connectivity & Logistics for Growth will facilitate the important dialogue with EU institutions on the current and future policy framework” added Nik Delmeire, Secretary General of the European Shippers’ Council.